:: how to jazz up your wardrobe… ::
A couple weekends ago, Kayte emailed me with some surprise news: I had won a giveaway she’d done for her new book Complete Embellishing. Of course, I had managed to forget about it between the time I entered and her email, but I was ecstatic to find I would be receiving a copy (that’s autographed too!!)! The idea of having a whole book on embellishment ideas, plus techniques and tips for achieving them, really appealed to me. This book did not disappoint either: from the gorgeous photography, to the extensive techniques and ideas… I keep flipping through the pages and coming up with all kinds of plans and schemes for projects!
The book is spiral bound, which immediately drew me in because it makes using them so much more convenient (no trying to prop a book open!). The first section covers a myriad of embellishment-appropriate techniques like sewing, felting, making trim, attaching beads, and one sub header that really caught me: fabric printing. The latter half of the book is devoted to projects you can create using these techniques. Both garments and accessories, plus home furnishings are covered. Of course, being the clothes-centric gal I am, I sat up and paid close attention to the clothing embellishment. I am especially eying the Victoriana Cardigan, Mod Squad tee, and adorable Rainy Day skirt.
But it doesn’t stop there… Oh no! Lots of ideas for adding some personality to my accessories: from shoe embellishments (finally! I can create Anthropologie-worthy footwear!), to tote bags and doily scarves. *sigh* I’m in love with all the clever ideas Kayte dreamed up! So I’d definitely recommend dashing out and buying yourself a copy of Complete Embellishing… especially if you’re looking to add some snap! to your existing wardrobe.
(And completely off-topic… I know I promised full length pictures of the dress I made recently. But I wasn’t able to get any taken, and I’m having a bit of a “bad kitty day” as Dad would say… So Monday instead, my dears!)
[ completely random picture of vintage shoes I bought yesterday. they're a little big, so I'm not sure I'm keeping them yet... ]
Feeling inspired and creative yet? Just in case you aren’t, here’s this week’s wonderfully diverse Friday Inspiration links:
- ♥ Theresa sent me a sweet email this week, and while browsing her blog, I found this great idea for jazzing up binders!
- ♥ Amy posted about an adorable sweater refashion this week
- ♥ this set of color photos from the 1930s is jaw dropping amazing [ via ]
- ♥ I love this idea of a simple shadow box
- ♥ issue #2 of mankind mag is up!
- ♥ I’ve been frequenting the PO a lot lately, which means this post office tote would come in very handy! [ via ]
- ♥ I need to make one of these cute ipod nano covers for my pink one! (aptly named “Marilyn”…)
Have a lovely weekend, my sweet friends!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 to books, weekly inspiration.
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:: bright prints + big bows! :: »3 lovely thoughts to “:: how to jazz up your wardrobe… ::”
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Design for Mankind says:
You are so adorable! And thanks for the sweet link, my dear!
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Marjorie says:
What a dandy book!!
I love how you embellish things that need that special little added flair…you do it so well!
I’ve got a pile of old sweaters in need of ‘anthropoligization’, too! So much to do, so little time!
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Petchy says:
I’m so glad you linked to me – because it meant I found your blog
It’s hereby added to my faves!
